Options for a Tired Cub

Tue Oct 22, 2013 5:52 pm

Hello All,It's been a while since posted anything. I like the new look of the site. My cub " Fred" is getting tired and I have debating whether or not I should find another tractor. I need to know how much an engine overhaul costs and how much time it takes. I live in the Warren/Youngstown area of Ohio. Can you guys help me with some rough prices or other options I didn't think about? Thanks!John

Re: Options for a Tired Cub

Tue Oct 22, 2013 6:29 pm

There isn't an answer. You need to disassemble the engine, measure everything, then determine the machine work and parts required.

So, as a wild guess, $300- for a ring job, replace bearings, and touch up valves - if you have the required tools. Up to $1200- and more.

Other option is to purchase a running engine. However, probably better to spend the money to rebuild your current engine. Then you know what you have.

Re: Options for a Tired Cub

Tue Oct 22, 2013 7:40 pm

John, Occasionally Art Chester (ArtC) has rebuilt engines for sale. You might PM him and see if he has one now. You can always buy another Cub, but then you still have the unknowns of how it's been used and maintained. Some of the Ohio guys may be able to offer suggestions on who to contact.

Bob

Re: Options for a Tired Cub

Wed Oct 23, 2013 8:18 am

I believe Art has an engine available. Tim (TST) may have used ones, too (NY state). If you can wait for cub express, it would be the way to go. Swapping an engine, is a 1 day job. Machine shop, could take weeks, and cost up over $1200. If you have the cash, and want a "perfect" engine, go with a rebuild. If you want a working tractor, go with used. (You just missed cub express, from Cubfest Noortheast, for either of the providers mentioned) Ed

Re: Options for a Tired Cub

Wed Oct 23, 2013 8:31 am

Just throwing out a thought.

Depending on location, Cubs in very good condition with an attachment, frequently sell for $2500- (ball park figure).

Might sell your current Cub and purchase another one. Kinda like upgrading the wife's older vehicle (but much newer than your pickup) for a fancier car.

Re: Options for a Tired Cub

Wed Oct 23, 2013 9:11 am

Hi John! Great to see you here again. You were my first "minifest victim" when I first joined the forum. What are the symptoms of your "tired cub"? Is it smoking or just lacking power? When was the last tune up on it? I'd love to get together again sometime and share a beer and possibly lay hands on "Fred" sometime...

Keep posting!

Mike (now in PA)

Re: Options for a Tired Cub

Wed Oct 23, 2013 9:20 am

John, as has been suggested, first do a tune up and diagnostics. Getting an engine rebuilt seems to very drastically by area. In my area we have an old time machine shop and if you are willing to wait, you can take them an assembled engine and get it back from them reassembled, in 2 or 3 months for around $650. that includes bored, new pistons and rods, a valve job, crank turned with new bearings, etc. I have also heard different prices as high as $1500 for the same job.

Re: Options for a Tired Cub

Wed Oct 23, 2013 5:24 pm

John *.?-!.* cub owner wrote:John, as has been suggested, first do a tune up and diagnostics. Getting an engine rebuilt seems to very drastically by area. In my area we have an old time machine shop and if you are willing to wait, you can take them an assembled engine and get it back from them reassembled, in 2 or 3 months for around $650. that includes bored, new pistons and rods, a valve job, crank turned with new bearings, etc. I have also heard different prices as high as $1500 for the same job.

THAT is a deal! I will remember that bit of information- thanks for posting!

Re: Options for a Tired Cub

Wed Oct 23, 2013 10:54 pm

Thanks Guys!Fred just isn't as snappy as he used to be. I really haven't done anything much for him in the last 5 years. I bought the tractor 9 years ago and I only cleaned the plugs and replaced two wires besides lubrication. I managed to lessen the blue smoke issue I had with Fred. I operated a overhauled cub last year and it seemed to have twice the power that Fred has. I'll spend a weekend going over the engine to assess its health.

John: I think $650 for all of that work is worthwhile! Too bad I don't live in your area....

Mike: Good to hear from you! I sold my M to a good home since I last saw you.

Re: Options for a Tired Cub

Thu Oct 24, 2013 7:26 am

EJP, is that rebuild guy still alive?? I would guess the parts cost close to that, it sure adds up quick, especially these days.

Re: Options for a Tired Cub

Thu Oct 24, 2013 7:56 am

Hengy wrote:Hi John! Great to see you here again. You were my first "minifest victim" when I first joined the forum. What are the symptoms of your "tired cub"? Is it smoking or just lacking power? When was the last tune up on it? I'd love to get together again sometime and share a beer and possibly lay hands on "Fred" sometime...

Keep posting!

Mike (now in PA)

Agree with Hengy ...It may just need a good tune up....Vacumm and compression test it...If it ain't knocking or smoking badly it may just need a little or a lot of tweaking....

Re: Options for a Tired Cub

Thu Oct 24, 2013 8:28 am

John, one other place to look is at the governor control system. Any slop in that system will also result in a lack of power because the engine won't "spool up" like it used to when the governor calls for it. Must say that Lewis (my 1955) is really tight on the governor control, and really is snappy. Merlin needs a little tightening in that area and I notice a little less response on that side from him... That is on the docket in the coming weeks so I am ready for plowing in the winter!

Let me know if you would like some help...I love to play!!

Mike

Re: Options for a Tired Cub

Thu Oct 24, 2013 10:25 am

Henry, it is very difficult to give a ball park figure till the engine is disassemblend to see what is required to rebuild it. I have done some cub engines for as little as 800 bucks including labor.. I have also rebuilt a few that were so messed up internally it was cheaper to buy a rebuilt short block. But usuallly the cost in worse case is around 1500 including labor and machine shop work.. Being you are in my area if you are rebuilding it yourself it will pay you to shop around for machne shop work. I have found that some machine shops in the area are way over priced. If your rebuilding it yourself contact me I can stear you in the right direction.

Re: Options for a Tired Cub

Thu Oct 24, 2013 10:50 am

jball, check out the classifieds on this site. I just saw an engine there for ($900.00), a reasonable price. No mention of a core exchange. This might be a solution if you need an overhaul. Good Luck, Papa.

Re: Options for a Tired Cub

Thu Oct 24, 2013 1:28 pm

Papa's Cub wrote:jball, check out the classifieds on this site. I just saw an engine there for ($900.00), a reasonable price. No mention of a core exchange. This might be a solution if you need an overhaul. Good Luck, Papa.

I agree that sometimes a new engine is the way to go. The only caveat in that situation is that you have no way of knowing what the TRUE condition of the new engine is going to be. You may get that new engine in and realize that it is a smoker, or one with low oil pressure or low on power, etc. Then you will be out the cost of the engine AND the cost of a rebuild.